Roping dummy with washout simulation and neck pivot action

ABSTRACT

The instant disclosure is directed to a roping simulator (sometimes referred to as a roping or practice dummy or sled) that is designed to mimic the natural movements and anatomy of roping cattle. Embodiments of the instant disclosure mimic the anatomy and movement of a roping cattle when the animal “washes out,” meaning that its back end slips and pivots during a turn. In various embodiments, the disclosed roping simulator also includes a feature whereby the head portion of the dummy rotates and pivots downward when a force is applied by a rope, simulating head movement of a live animal. In one embodiment, a sled assembly and a body assembly are connected to one another to form the roping simulator. The sled assembly is the component that makes contact with the ground. The body assembly is the component that provides roping targets, and that simulates the movement of live cattle.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a non-provisional of, and claims priority to and thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/032,417, filed onAug. 1, 2014, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/150,950,filed on Apr. 22, 2015, the entire contents of which are incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialthat is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the photocopy reproduction of the patent document or thepatent disclosure in exactly the form it appears in the Patent andTrademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves allcopyright rights whatsoever.

TECHNICAL HELD

The present disclosure relates generally to roping simulators (sometimesreferred to as dummies) for enabling users to practice roping cattle orother animals, and more specifically to roping simulators configuredsuch that a body portion can pivot to simulate “washout” action and/or ahead or neck portion can pivot and rotate laterally and downward tosimulate head/shoulder movement encountered while roping live animals.

BACKGROUND

Known mechanical animal simulator devices enable individuals to practiceroping skills (such as steer roping and/or Team Roping skills) withoutrequiring the use of live animals. Such devices attempt to replicate theappearance, movement, and other pertinent characteristics of cattle orother rodeo animals. These devices can, for example, be towed behind oneor more motorized vehicles (such as four-wheelers or ATVs), andindividuals wishing to practice roping skills can chase the deviceswhile mounted on a horse. By attempting to rope head or leg portions ofthese devices, individuals can attempt to hone their roping skills.

Roping simulators possess several advantages. First, they do not requirethe use of live animals as targets for roping practice. Accordingly, therisk of injury to animals and humans is substantially reduced. Second,because known devices can be dragged or towed behind motorized vehicles,the path of such devices can be controlled by the driver of the vehicle,enabling the individual chasing the device to focus on roping techniqueswithout needing to be concerned with unexpected changes of direction.Third, known roping simulators enable as much or as little practice asdesired, without regard for the temperament or fatigue of a targetanimal.

Nonetheless, known roping simulators are deficient in several ways.

Known roping simulators do not accurately mimic the movement of thebodies of live animals, and as such do not provide as robust a ropingsimulator as desired. For example, known roping simulators do notaccurately simulate the hinging motion between the body andhead/shoulders of an animal that is frequently encountered whenattempting to rope live animals that reach the corner of a run. That is,known simulators do not accurately simulate a “washout” position of thebody of an animal that frequently occurs in live animal roping exerciseswhen an animal turns a corner. Known roping simulators also do not mimicthe way in which a live animal's neck and shoulders rotate and pivotdownward as a rope around the animal's neck is pulled by a roper.

Moreover, because known roping simulators do not accurately mimic thepivoting or hinging of the bodies of live animals with respect to theirhead and shoulders, known roping simulators do not simulate the way inwhich a live animal's head and body returns to an unhinged or straightposition as the animal in tow exits a corner and resumes forward motionwith the animal in tow. That is, known simulators do not replicate thereturn of an animal's body from a “washout” position, which alsofrequently occurs in live animal roping exercises as an animal resumesforward motion following a turn. Known roping simulators also do notsimulate the tendency of a live animal's head and shoulders to returnfrom a rotated, pivoted position to a straight-ahead position as tensionis released from the rope.

Finally, known roping simulators are deficient because the head andshoulder portions of such simulators (the roping target for anindividual practicing with the simulator) do not pivot or move together,both rotationally and downward, with respect to the body of thesimulator. This means that known roping simulators do not providerealistic simulations of the motion of the head and shoulders of ananimal encountered after roping a live animal with a rope around itshead.

What is needed is a roping simulator that more accurately simulates themovements encountered when attempting to rope a live animal. Morespecifically, what is needed is a roping simulator with a body portionspring-biased to be able to hinge into a “washout” position as thedevice is pulled into a corner, and to return from the “washout”position to its normal, straight position as the device is pulledforward following the corner.

What is also needed is a roping simulator that accurately simulates thehead and shoulder rotation and pivot encountered by ropers whenattempting to rope live animals. More specifically, what is also neededis a roping simulator in which when a rope engaged with the head portionof the simulator is pulled, the head, neck, and shoulders of thesimulator rotate and pivot downward to simulate the movement of thehead, neck, and shoulders of a live animal.

SUMMARY

The instant disclosure is directed to a roping simulator (sometimesreferred to as a roping or practice dummy or sled) that is designed tomimic the natural movements and anatomy of roping animals such ascattle. Embodiments of the instant disclosure mimic the anatomy andmovement of a roping cattle when the animal “washes out,” meaning thatits back end slips and pivots during a turn. For example, in someembodiments, the disclosed roping simulator includes a body portion thatpivots or hinges to a “washed out” position and is urged to return to astraight-ahead position in the absence of contrary forces. In variousembodiments, the disclosed roping simulator also includes a featurewhereby the head portion of the dummy rotates and pivots downward when aforce is applied by a rope, simulating head movement of a live animal.In one embodiment, a sled assembly and a body assembly are connected toone another to form the roping simulator. In this embodiment, the sledassembly is the component that makes contact with the ground and thusslides along the ground when pulled. The sled assembly can be pulled,for example, by a four-wheeler or an ATV. The body assembly is thecomponent that provides roping targets, and that simulates the movementof live cattle. In one embodiment, a leg portion of the roping simulatorfurther simulates the motion of a live animal by providing two simulatedleg components that can be pulled together when roped and are urgedapart, to a neutral position, by springs or other urging members.

Embodiments of the apparatus disclosed herein more accurately simulatecertain movements encountered when attempting to rope a live animal. Insome embodiments, the disclosed apparatus is a roping simulator with abody portion spring-biased to be able to hinge into a “washout” positionas the device is pulled into a corner, and to return from the “washout”position to its normal, straight position as the device is pulledforward following the corner.

In some embodiments, the disclosed apparatus more accurately simulatesthe head and shoulder rotation and pivot encountered by ropers whenattempting to rope live animals. In such embodiments, the disclosedapparatus is a roping simulator in which when a rope engaged with thehead portion of the simulator is pulled, the head, neck, and shouldersof the simulator rotate and pivot downward to simulate the movement ofthe head, neck, and shoulders of a live animal.

In an exemplary embodiment, the disclosed roping simulator includes abody portion having a rear portion resembling the appearance of a bodyof a roping animal, the rear portion configured to pivot in a firstdirection when a centrifugal force is generated, a head portionresembling an appearance of a head of the roping animal, the headportion configured to pivot in a second direction when a force otherthan the centrifugal force is applied to the head portion, the headportion further including a first head portion pivot providing forrotational movement of the head portion and a second head portion pivotproviding for downward movement of the head portion. In this embodiment,the body portion of the roping simulator also includes at least onepivot stop to limit the amount the rear portion can pivot, a body returnspring to bias the body portion into a body non-pivoted position, and ahead return spring to bias the head portion into a head non-pivotedposition, wherein when the body portion is in the body non-pivotedposition and the head portion is in the head non-pivoted position, thebody portion and the head portion are aligned with one another. Finally,in this embodiment, the disclosed roping simulator includes a sledportion connectable to a vehicle to enable the vehicle to pull the sledportion and the body portion to simulate forward movement of a ropinganimal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the disclosed roping simulator in astraight, or “neutral,” position.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the disclosed roping simulator in a“washed-out” or angled position.

FIGS. 3, 3 a, and 3 b illustrate differing levels of detail of anembodiment of an internal frame of the disclosed roping simulator thatprovide for the described washout movement.

FIG. 4 illustrates another view of an embodiment of the internal frameof the disclosed roping simulator.

FIG. 5 Illustrates a view of an embodiment of the disclosed ropingsimulator that indicates additional detail of a pivot hinge thatfacilitates the disclosed washing motion.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the disclosed roping simulator withthe head portion in a neutral, or straight, position.

FIG. 7 Illustrates an embodiment of the disclosed roping simulator withthe head portion in a bent, or pivoted, position.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of the disclosed roping simulator inwhich the pivot mechanisms for the head and body portions are moreclearly visible.

FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of the disclosed roping simulator witha leg assembly whose legs are biased apart, wherein the legs areillustrated in an open position.

FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of the disclosed roping simulator witha leg assembly whose legs are biased apart, wherein the legs areillustrated in a dosed position.

FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of the disclosed roping simulator inwhich a motor is provided to cause the hips of the simulator to “hop.”

FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of the disclosed roping simulator inwhich the head portion is pivotable both downward and rotationally.

FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of the disclosed roping simulator inwhich the head portion is pivotable both downward and rotationally,positioned in a downward-pivoted position.

FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of the disclosed roping simulator inwhich the head portion is pivotable both downward and rotationally,positioned in a downward-pivoted and rotationally-pivoted position.

FIG. 15 illustrates the head portion of the disclosed roping simulatorin the downward-pivoted position of FIG. 13 in the context of the entiresimulator.

FIG. 16 illustrates the head portion of the disclosed roping simulatorin the downward-pivoted and rotationally-pivoted position of FIG. 14 inthe context of the entire simulator.

FIG. 17 illustrates the head portion of the disclosed roping simulatorin the downward-pivoted and rotationally-pivoted position of FIG. 14,wherein the head and shoulders portion of the simulator is additionallypivoted about a head and shoulders pivot hinge, in the context of theentire simulator.

FIG. 18 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the disclosed ropingsimulator in which the head portion is pivotable both downward androtationally.

FIG. 19 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the disclosed ropingsimulator in which the head portion is pivotable both downward androtationally, as shown in FIG. 18, positioned in a downward-pivotedposition.

FIG. 20 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the disclosed ropingsimulator in which the head portion is pivotable both downward androtationally, as shown in FIG. 18, positioned in a downward-pivoted androtationally-pivoted position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The instant disclosure is directed to a roping simulator (sometimesreferred to as a roping or practice dummy or sled) that is designed tomimic the natural movements and anatomy of a roping animal. Embodimentsof the instant disclosure mimic the anatomy and movement of a ropingcattle when the animal “washes out,” meaning that its back end slips andpivots during a turn. In various embodiments, the disclosed ropingsimulator also includes a feature whereby the rear legs of the dummy canbe resiliently biased toward one another to simulate the capability ofan animal's rear legs to be pulled together when roped. In oneembodiment, a sled assembly and a body assembly are connected to oneanother to form the roping simulator. In this embodiment, the sledassembly is the component that makes contact with the ground. Also inthis embodiment, the body assembly is the component that provides ropingtargets, and that simulates the movement of live cattle.

To simulate the movements of an animal, the rear of the body assembly inone embodiment includes a hinge that allows the back end to swing freelyin one direction as simulator is dragged or pulled into the corner ofits run. As the machine turns, centrifugal force causes the dummy's bodyto pivot to roughly a maximum of 70 degrees, while a series of springsforces or urges the pivoted body portion to return to its originalposition after the machine resumes a forward line motion.

In one embodiment, to further increase the realism of the disclosedmachine, the roping simulator has an additional pivot holding afront-facing head portion that enables the user to pull the head portion(including a shoulder portion of the roping simulator) in the oppositedirection from the body, pivoting approximately 25 degrees. In thisembodiment, the additional pivot enables the head and shoulders of thesimulator to pivot against a force urging those portions back into astraight position.

In a further embodiment, when a rope engaged with the head portion ofthe simulator is pulled, the head, neck, and shoulders of the simulatorrotate and pivot downward to simulate the movement of the head, neck,and shoulders of a live animal. In such an embodiment, the disclosedroping simulator includes a pair of pivot points in the head portion ofthe simulator to allow for lifelike head movement when a roper engages arope with the horns of the simulator. In this embodiment, a first pivotprovides for rotational movement of the head, and a second pivotprovides for downward pivoting of the head, when a roper pulls a ropearound the horns of the head. Springs associated with each pivot urgethe head portion back to a neutral, or straight-ahead, position when therope is not being pulled.

In one embodiment, the rear legs of the simulator can come together whenpulled toward one another, and include a spring to bias the legs into aspread position. In this embodiment, if a roper ropes the rear legs ofthe dummy and applies force to the rear legs, the legs can be pulledtogether. If the rope slips or adequate force is not applied, the rearlegs are be biased by an appropriately positioned spring into aseparated position.

In one embodiment, the disclosed roping simulator also includes anelectric or battery powered motor that turns to cause the hips of thesimulator to “hop,” meaning that the hip portion of the simulator risesup and returns back to a normal position, as the simulator is beingdragged across the ground. This further simulates the tendency of a liveanimal to hop, and enables ropers to practice targeting an animal movingin such a way.

These features enable the disclosed roping simulator to behave in a veryrealistic manner not seen in any currently available roping machine.

In one embodiment, the device disclosed herein includes two primarysub-assemblies: a sled sub-assembly and a body sub-assembly. In thisembodiment, the sled assembly is the component that makes contact withthe ground. This is also the component of the device that can beattached to a vehicle, such as a four-wheeler or ATV, to enable thedevice to be pulled behind the vehicle such that it can operate as aroping simulator.

Also in this embodiment, the body sub-assembly component is mounted tothe sled sub-assembly, and provides the user interlace for the ropingsimulator. Specifically, the body sub-assembly provides the user with atarget to attempt to rope, and that simulates the size, shape, andmovement of an animal (such as a steer) being roped. In one embodiment,the body sub-assembly is removably mounted to the sled sub-assembly. Inanother embodiment, the body sub-assembly is relatively permanentlymounted to the sled sub-assembly, such as by being welded to the sledsub-assembly.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the sled sub-assembly is labeled as item102, and the body sub-assembly is labeled as item 104. In these figures,the body of the animal 106 is mounted to the body sub-assembly as willbe described in more detail below. Also in these figures, the bodyincludes a cover that obfuscates the view of the underlying components;nonetheless, these components are illustrated in subsequent figures andare discussed in more detail below.

In the illustrated embodiment, the body sub-assembly 104 includes one ormore hinges (described in more detail below) that allow the back end ofthe simulated steer to swing freely in one direction as the sledsub-assembly 102 is pulled into a corner. In this embodiment,centrifugal force causes the back end of the body sub-assembly to swingoutward as the device is pulled through a corner.

In the illustrated embodiment, the hinge enables the back end of thebody sub-assembly to swing outward to the right up to an approximately70 degree angle (into the position illustrated in FIG. 2). For example,this outward swinging action occurs when a vehicle pulling the ropingsimulator device makes a turn to the left. When the vehicle resumespulling in a straight line or with forward motion, the rear end of thebody sub-assembly swings back to a straight line position (the positionillustrated in FIG. 1).

Moreover, in the illustrated embodiment, the disclosed device isconfigured such that the back end of the body sub-assembly can swing inonly one direction, meaning that if the device is pulled around a cornerin the other direction, the back end will not swing outward. In anotherembodiment, the device is configured to enable the back end of the bodysub-assembly to swing outward in either direction, but will nonethelessreturn to a center or straight position when the turn is completed andthe device is pulled in a straight line or in a forward direction.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the disclosed ropingsimulator. FIG. 3 a illustrates a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 3,with the body portion 106 of the roping simulator mounted to the frame.FIG. 3 a also illustrates a shoulder portion 108, which is an exteriorportion that is designed to simulate the appearance and shape of theshoulders of a roping animal. In FIG. 3, the body portion 106 and theshoulder portion 108 illustrated in FIG. 3 a are shown in light-coloredlines to illustrate the mounting configuration.

In the illustration of FIG. 3, the simulated steer body 106 and theshoulder portion 108 have been removed from the body sub-assembly (i.e.,they are illustrated in light-colored lines), revealing the frame 301that provides for the relative movement discussed herein. Frame 301includes a frame body portion 301 a and frame head portion 301 b. FIG. 3also shows leg assembly 302, body attachment points 304 a and 304 b, andshoulder attachment point 306. Also in the embodiment of FIG. 3, thehead 308 of the roping simulator can be seen.

FIG. 3 illustrates a pivot hinge, labeled as 310. In the illustratedembodiment, the pivot hinge 310 enables the frame body portion 301 a(including the leg assembly 302 and body attachment points 304 a and 304b) to pivot about an axis defined by the hinge. In the illustratedembodiment, the pivoting action is toward the viewer when viewing FIG.3.

In one embodiment the pivot hinge 310 provides for some limit to theamount of pivoting, such as by providing a stop that prevents the framebody portion 301 a from pivoting more than 70 degrees. Also in thisembodiment, one or more stops (not shown) prevents frame body portion301 a from pivoting at all in the other direction (i.e., into the pagewhen viewing FIG. 3). In other embodiments, these stops may not preventmovement in the other direction, or may limit movement in the otherdirection to a similar amount of swing (e.g., 70 degrees) as in thefirst direction.

Referring still to FIG. 3, return springs 312 a and 312 b areillustrated. In this embodiment, spring 312 a connects between the body106 and the frame of the roping simulator and as a result, applies aforce to bias the frame body portion 301 a into a straight position,such as the position illustrated in FIG. 1. In this way, when the framebody portion 301 a pivots into the position illustrated in FIG. 2,return spring 312 a urges the body portion 301 a back to a straightposition by pulling on the body 106 (which is connected to connectionpoints 304 a and 304 b). Return spring 312 a works in conjunction withanother spring, not illustrated in FIG. 3, to provide this biasing. Byusing such springs, the disclosed simulator accurately simulates themovement of a steer's body during a “washout,” in that the body of alive animal pivots outward as the animal turns the corner and returns toa straight position as the animal resumes its forward motion.

Return spring 312 b provides a similar biasing functionality with regardto the head portion 301 b, as discussed in more detail below.Specifically, return spring 312 b biases the head portion 301 b(including the dummy head 308 and the shoulder portion 108) into astraight position in the event the head portion 301 b (includingshoulder portion 108) pivots into the page as viewed in FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 b illustrates a close-up view of the return springs 312 a and 312b, with the shoulder portion 108 of FIG. 3 a removed for clarity. FIG. 3b illustrates a close-up view of the manner in which the return spring312 a is connected to the body 106 of the roping simulator, and of themanner in which the return spring 312 b is connected to the head portion308. In the illustration of FIG. 3 b, the shoulder portion 108, whichwas illustrated in FIG. 3 a, has been removed for clarity. Accordingly,it can be seen that return spring 312 a applies a biasing force to biasthe body portion 301 a into a straight position and return spring 312 bapplies a biasing force to bias the head portion 308 into a straightposition when those portions are biased into their respective pivotedpositions.

In one embodiment, the return spring 312 a is also responsible forproviding a “hopping” motion in the hips of the roping dummy. In thisembodiment, the fact that the steer body 106 is attached to the framebody portion 301 a and to the return spring 312 a means that the steerbody 106 (which includes the “hips” of the roping simulator) can hopwhile being pulled by an appropriate vehicle. In this embodiment, thereturn spring 312 a runs down the backbone of the roping simulator andbrings the hips upward as needed to “hop.” In this way, the steer body106 of the simulator can hop while the sled sub-assembly 102 remainsflat on the ground as it is dragged. FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplaryembodiment wherein a motor 1100 causes the rear portion of the body 106to hop upward; in this embodiment, the return spring 312 a isresponsible, in part, for biasing the body portion 106 downward tosimulate the downward motion seen during a hop.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of the disclosed roping simulator whenviewed from the other side as the view illustrated in FIG. 3. FIG. 4further illustrates the “shoulder/forward pivot hinge” 402. In theillustrated embodiment, this pivot hinge 402 enables the head portion301 b (containing the head 308 and the shoulder portion 108) to pivotsimilarly to the pivoting described above with regard to body portion301 a. However, in a preferred embodiment, this pivoting does not occurwhile the simulator is pulled around a corner.

Instead, in the preferred embodiment, because the head portion 301 b andthe shoulder portion 108 are forward facing in a straight line while thesimulator is being dragged, the head portion 301 b (along with theshoulders 108) only pivots when the user pulls on it (e.g., after a ropeloop has been landed around the head portion 301 b). In this situation,when the user pulls on the head portion 301 b (either with a rope or byhand), the return spring 312 b (illustrated in FIG. 3) biases the headportion into a straight position, thus returning the head and shoulderportion to the straight position after the user's rope conies free. Thedisclosed apparatus therefore simulates the tendency, in a live steer,for the animal to straighten its neck and shoulders (or resist bendingits neck and shoulders) during or after being roped.

FIG. 4 also illustrates return spring 312 c, which is the primary returnspring for returning the body portion 301 a to a straight position whenit has been pivoted. Return spring 312 c thus works in conjunction withreturn spring 312 b to provide for the “washout” simulation feature ofthe apparatus disclosed herein.

Finally, FIG. 4 illustrates the mounting points 304 a and 304 b formounting the steer body 106 to the frame. It also illustrates themounting point 306 for mounting the shoulder portion 108 to the frame.

FIG. 5 illustrates a more detailed view of pivot hinge 310 and returnsprings 312 a and 312 b previously discussed with regard to FIG. 3. Ascan be more dearly seen in FIG. 5, return spring 312 a biases the bodyportion 301 a into a straight position by connecting to the steer body106 (not shown). As can be further seen in FIG. 5, return spring 312 bbiases the head portion 301 b (including the shoulder portion 108) intoa straight position.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the positions of the head and shoulders of thedisclosed roping simulator in a straight (FIG. 6) and pivoted (FIG. 7)position. As can be seen, in the illustrated embodiment, the head andshoulder portions of the simulator are configured to pivot together in adifferent (i.e., opposite) direction than the body portion (illustratedin FIGS. 1 and 2). In other embodiments, the head portion and the bodyportion pivot in the same direction, or one or both portions can beconfigured to pivot in either direction.

FIG. 8 illustrates an enlarged view of the shoulder pivot hinge 402,illustrating that in this embodiment, the shoulder pivot hinge enablesthe head portion and the shoulder portion to pivot outward from the pageand to be biased in a straight position by the return spring 312 b (notshown). FIG. 8 also further illustrates an example of return spring 312a, which is position to bias the body portion of the disclosed ropingsimulator into a straight position when the body portion pivots. In theillustrated embodiment, the body portion pivots into the page asillustrated in FIG. 8.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate an enlarged view of the leg assembly 302 ofone embodiment of the disclosed roping simulator. Specifically, in FIG.9, the legs of the leg assembly 302 of the roping simulator are spreadapart, and in FIG. 10, the legs of the leg assembly 302 of the ropingsimulator have been pulled together, such as by a rope or roper's arms.As can be seen in FIGS. 9 and 10, the leg assembly 302 includes a rightleg 902 and a left leg 904 each mounted to a pivot bar 906. In theillustrated embodiment, leg 902 and leg 904 can each pivot at the end ofthe pivot bar, such that pulling the feet portions 902 a and 904 atogether causes the top portions 902 b and 904 b to separate. Further,spring 908 is provided to bias the top portions 902 b and 904 a towardone another, thus biasing the bottom portions 902 a and 904 a away fromeach other. In this way, spring 908 is provided to urge legs 902 and 904apart and to resist attempts by a roper to push the legs together. Thisadvantageously simulates the natural effect of a rope on the hind legsof a live animal.

FIG. 12 illustrates the head portion of one embodiment of the disclosedroping simulator. Specifically, in FIG. 12, the head portion 1301 bincludes a head 1308 around which ropers using the device attempt tothrow a rope. In FIG. 12, pivoting of the head portion about the neckand shoulders in two directions (i.e., downward and rotationally) isenabled by various components of the head portion 1301 b that connectthe head 1308 to the remainder of the roping simulator. These componentsare discussed in more detail below.

The embodiment of FIG. 12 includes main pivot bolt 1201 which engageshead post 1209 to affix primary head pivot plate 1205 to the headportion 1301 b of the disclosed roping simulator. Main pivot spring 1204is positioned between main pivot bolt 1201 and head post 1209 to urgethe head 1308 back to center when a roper pulls the head in arotationally pivoted direction. In this embodiment, the main pivotspring 1204 urges the head by imparting rotational forces on the headportion 1308, such that the head portion 1308 tends to return from arotated position about the axis of the main pivot bolt 1201 to a neutralposition along that axis. The FIG. 12 embodiment also illustratesprimary pivot stop 1211, which contacts head post 1209 when the head1308 is rotated about the axis of the main pivot bolt 1201. Primarypivot stop 1211 prevents the head portion 1308 from rotating more than apredetermined amount about the pivot bolt 1201. This movement will bediscussed in more detail below.

As is illustrated in FIG. 12, primary head pivot plate 1205 includes aflange 1212 extending rearward from the plate 1205. The FIG. 12embodiment also includes a secondary head pivot plate 1206 which isconnected to primary head pivot plate 1205 by way of head pivot hinge1208. A secondary pivot spring 1207 encircles secondary pivot springshaft 1213 and engages the flange 1212 at one end and the head 1308 ofthe roping simulator at the other end. The secondary pivot spring 1207is a compression spring, such that when the head 1308 is pivoted aboutsecondary pivot hinge 1208 in a downward direction by a pull on aroper's rope, the secondary pivot spring 1207 is compressed and urgesthe head 1308 upward about the secondary pivot hinge 1208 to a neutralor straight-ahead position. This movement is also addressed in moredetail below.

Referring to FIG. 13, the embodiment of FIG. 12 is illustrated with thehead 1308 of the head portion 1301 b pivoted in a downward directionabout secondary pivot hinge 1208, such as when pulled by a rope engagedwith the head portion of the disclosed apparatus. As can be seen, thesecondary pivot spring 1207 in the FIG. 13 embodiment has beencompressed from its position in FIG. 12, and is therefore urging thehead 1308 upward about secondary pivot hinge 1208.

Referring to FIG. 14, the embodiment of FIG. 12 is illustrated with thepivoting motion about secondary pivot hinge 1208 illustrated in FIG. 13with an additional rotational pivot about the main pivot bolt 1201, suchas when pulled by a rope engaged with the head portion of the disclosedapparatus. In the embodiment of FIG. 14, the head 1308 is pivoted aboutpivot bolt 1201 until the primary pivot stop 1211 touches the head post1209, preventing further rotation of the head 1308. In this embodiment,when the head 1308 is in the position illustrated of FIG. 14, a roper'srope is pulling the head 1308 into the rotated position with the primarypivot stop 1211 touching the head post 1209, and the main pivot spring1204 is urging the head portion to rotate the primary pivot stop 1211away from the head post 1209. Moreover, in the FIG. 14 embodiment (as inthe FIG. 13 embodiment), the secondary pivot spring 1207 is urging thehead portion 1308 to rotate about the secondary pivot spring (notvisible in FIG. 14) into an upward position. This position simulates themotion of the head, neck, and shoulders of a live animal when a rope isengaged with the head or neck of the live animal.

FIG. 15 illustrates the head 1308 rotated downward about pivot hinge1208 (not shown) to the position of FIG. 13 in the context of the entireroping simulator. FIG. 16 similarly illustrates the head 1308 rotateddownward about pivot hinge 1208 (not shown) and rotated about main pivotbolt 1201 (not shown) to the position of FIG. 14 in the context of theentire roping simulator. FIG. 17 illustrates the rotation of FIG. 16,shown from the other side of the roping simulator, and shown with thehead portion 1301 b pivoting about a shoulder/forward pivot hinge 402such as that illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 8 and discussed in more detailabove.

FIGS. 18-20 illustrate the head portion of an alternative embodiment ofthe disclosed roping simulator in which the head portion is pivotableboth downward and rotationally at different points in the pivotingaction of the head portion. Specifically, FIGS. 18-20 illustrate thehead portion 1808 of an alternative embodiment in which the position ofone of the springs to return the head to a neutral position is moved toa different location from its position as illustrated in FIGS. 12-14.

Referring to FIG. 18, the illustrated embodiment includes a main pivotbolt 1801 which engages head post 1809 to affix primary head pivot plate1805 to the head portion of the disclosed roping simulator. Main pivotspring 1804 is positioned between the head post 1809 and the head pivotplate 1805 to urge the head 1808 back to center when a roper pulls thehead in a rotationally pivoted direction. In this embodiment, the mainpivot spring 1804 urges the head by imparting rotational forces on thehead portion 1808, such that the head portion 1808 tends to return froma rotated position about the axis of the main pivot bolt 1801 to aneutral position along that axis. The FIG. 18 embodiment alsoillustrates primary pivot stop 1811, which contacts head post 1809 whenthe head 1808 is rotated about the axis of the main pivot bolt 1801.Primary pivot stop 1811 prevents the head portion 1801 from rotatingmore than a predetermined amount. Accordingly, it should be appreciatedthat FIG. 18 illustrates an alternative embodiment from that shown inFIG. 12, in that the main pivot bolt 1801 of FIG. 18 is shorter than themain pivot bolt 1201 of FIG. 12 because of the positioning of the mainpivot spring 1804 between the head post 1809 and the head pivot plate1805 in FIG. 18.

The remaining components of FIG. 18, related to the downward (as opposedto rotational) pivoting of the head portion 1808 operate similarly tothe embodiment discussed above with regard to FIG. 12. Accordingly, inFIG. 18, like in FIG. 12, when the head 1808 is pivoted in a downwarddirection by a pull on a roper's rope, a secondary pivot spring iscompressed and urges the head 1808 upward to a neutral or straight-aheadposition. FIG. 19 illustrates the head portion 1808 in a downwardposition, and FIG. 20 illustrates the head portion 1808 in a downwardand rotated position. The positions illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20 areachieved by a roper pulling a rope engaged with the head portion 1808 ofthe disclosed roping simulator.

Accordingly, in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 12-20, a roper'srope (not shown) is pulling the head into the illustrated position ofFIG. 14 or 20, and the springs 1204 and 1207 are urging the head 1308into the position illustrated in FIG. 12 or 18. Thus, when the roper'srope is released, springs 1204 and 1207 cause the head 1308 to pivotabout the main pivot bolt 1201 and about secondary pivot hinge 1208 toreturn to the position of FIG. 12 or 18. This simulates the motion ofthe head, neck, and shoulders of a live animal when a rope is engagedwith the head or neck of the animal and pulled by a roper.

In some embodiments, the disclosed roping simulator provides for one ormore additional features that further enhance the realism provided bythe device. For example, various embodiments of the disclosed ropingsimulator can include spring loaded collapsible legs, a spring loadedtongue, and/or shoulders and head portions formed from a soft, hide-likematerial.

In some embodiments, the disclosed simulator further includes a suit orwrapping that can be installed over the steer body 106 and/or shoulders108. In these embodiments, the suit or wrapping is made from astretchable material, such as neoprene, and creates tension among theparts of the roping simulator that simulate the animal. In addition, inthese embodiments, some of the aesthetically inaccurate portions (suchas body mount points and joints) will be hidden by the suit or wrapping.In various embodiments, the suit or wrapping still further simulates theskin and muscles of an animal, such that the surface with which theroper's rope interacts is as realistic as possible.

The above description of is exemplary of the features of the systemdisclosed herein. It should be understood that various changes andmodifications to the presently disclosed embodiments will be apparent tothose skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present subjectmatter and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is thereforeintended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appendedclaim.

The invention is claimed as follows:
 1. A roping simulator comprising:(a) a body portion having: (i) a rear portion resembling the appearanceof a body of a roping animal, the rear portion configured to pivot in afirst direction when a centrifugal force is generated, (ii) a headportion resembling an appearance of a head of the roping animal, thehead portion configured to pivot in a second direction when a forceother than the centrifugal force is applied to the head portion, thehead portion further comprising: (a) a first head portion pivotproviding for rotational movement of the head portion, and (b) a secondhead portion pivot providing for downward movement of the head portion,(iii) at least one pivot stop to limit the amount the rear portion canpivot, (iv) a body return spring to bias the body portion into a bodynon-pivoted position, and (v) a head return spring to bias the headportion into a head non-pivoted position, wherein when the body portionis in the body non-pivoted position and the head portion is in the headnon-pivoted position, the body portion and the head portion are alignedwith one another; and (b) a sled portion connectable to a vehicle toenable the vehicle to pull the sled portion and the body portion tosimulate forward movement of a roping animal.
 2. The roping simulator ofclaim 1, which includes a plurality of wraps to resemble the appearanceof a cow.
 3. The roping simulator of claim 1, which further includes amotor connected to the body portion for imparting a hopping movement onat least a portion of the body portion.
 4. The roping simulator of claim1, wherein the at least one pivot stop limits the amount the rearportion can pivot to approximately 70 degrees from center.
 5. The ropingsimulator of claim 1, wherein the at least one pivot stop limits theamount the rear portion can pivot to approximately 70 degrees fromcenter in a first direction and to approximately zero degrees fromcenter in the other direction.
 6. The roping simulator of claim 1,wherein the at least one pivot stop limits the amount the rear portioncan pivot to approximately 70 degrees from center in a first directionand to approximately 70 degrees from center in the other direction. 7.The roping simulator of claim 1, wherein the first direction is the sameas the second direction.
 8. The roping simulator of claim 1, whichfurther includes a leg portion connected to the body portion, the legportion including a pair of leg components and a spring biasing the legcomponents away from one another.
 9. The roping simulator of claim 8,which further includes a motor connected to the body portion forimparting a hopping movement on the leg portion.
 10. A roping simulatorcomprising: (a) a body portion having: (i) a rear portion resembling theappearance of a body of a roping animal, the rear portion configured topivot in a first direction when a centrifugal force is generated, (ii) ahead portion resembling an appearance of a head of the roping animal,the head portion configured to pivot in a second direction when a forceother than the centrifugal force is applied to the head portion, (iii) abody return spring to bias the body portion into a body non-pivotedposition, and (iv) a head return spring to bias the head portion into ahead non-pivoted position, wherein when the body portion is in the bodynon-pivoted position and the head portion is in the head non-pivotedposition, the body portion and the head portion are aligned with oneanother; and (b) a sled portion connectable to a vehicle to enable thevehicle to pull the sled portion and the body portion to simulateforward movement of a roping animal.
 11. The roping simulator of claim10, wherein the head portion includes a first head portion pivotproviding for rotational movement of the head portion, and a second headportion pivot providing for vertical movement of the head portion. 12.The roping simulator of claim 11, which includes at least one spring tobias the head portion to a neutral rotational position.
 13. The ropingsimulator of claim 11, which includes at least one spring to bias thehead portion to a neutral vertical position.
 14. The roping simulator ofclaim 10, which includes at least one pivot stop to limit the amount therear portion can pivot to approximately 70 degrees from center.
 15. Theroping simulator of claim 10, which includes at least one pivot stop tolimit the amount the rear portion can pivot to approximately 70 degreesfrom center in a first direction and to approximately zero degrees fromcenter in the other direction.
 16. The roping simulator of claim 10,which includes at least one pivot stop to limit the amount the rearportion can pivot to approximately 70 degrees from center in a firstdirection and to approximately 70 degrees from center in the otherdirection.
 17. The roping simulator of claim 10, wherein the firstdirection is the same as the second direction.
 18. The roping simulatorof claim 10, which further includes a leg portion connected to the bodyportion, the leg portion including a pair of leg components and a springbiasing the leg components away from one another.
 19. The ropingsimulator of claim 18, which further includes a motor connected to thebody portion for imparting a hopping movement on the leg portion. 20.The roping simulator of claim 10, which includes at least one bodycovering attached to the body portion by at least one body coveringspring, the body covering spring further biasing the body portion intothe body non-pivoted position.